Jonathan McElroy

Jonathan McElroy serves as Assistant Professor in Monmouth University's Music and Theatre Arts Department, overseeing the Music Education program while maintaining an active performance career on Broadway and with ensembles like the Composer’s Collective and Jonathan McElroy Quartet.

His academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Music Education from New York University
• M.M. in Composition/Arranging from William Paterson University
• B.M. in Jazz Performance (trombone/bass) from William Paterson University

McElroy's research pioneers student-centered approaches in music pedagogy, particularly through hip-hop integration and composition-based learning. His work emphasizes cultural relevance in curriculum design, drawing from African-American musical traditions to foster student creativity and engagement in undergraduate education.

Recent publications analyze trends in student-generated content creation, demonstrating how rap compositions and collaborative curriculum development cultivate inclusive learning environments that bridge traditional music education with contemporary cultural practices.

As an educator, he teaches diverse courses including American Music Traditions, From Blues to Rap, Ear Training, and The Music Industry Landscape, while supervising undergraduate research projects on composition pedagogy.

His performance activities span multiple ensembles including Alfa Garcia's group, Jack Furlong Quartet, and The Sly Caps, with upcoming engagements at the NJMEA Conference and International Jazz Arrangers & Composers Symposium.